Colonial Villa has less than 30 days to apply for license

Colonial Villa has less than a month to apply for an adult foster care license, or close its doors.

The Midland assisted living facility has been under investigation by the Department of Human Services since Feb. 20 for operating without a license. DHS also was investigating a possible flu outbreak. Fifty-three senior citizens between the ages of 58 to 98 live in the facility's private apartments.

The investigation report is dated March 8, and Colonial Villa has 30 days from that date to apply for the license.

DHS officials conducted an unannounced, onsite investigation on Feb. 23. They found the building and its interior clean and well-maintained. They interviewed three officials, four staff members and five residents. They also reviewed four resident records.

Staff said the facility offers different levels of care; for example, Level III services include full assistance with toileting, bathing and daily grooming. According to the inspection report, Administrator Danelle Tighe would neither confirm nor deny there were residents receiving that level of care.

While there, DHS officials saw at least one resident being given medication by staff. Staff told DHS officials they also feed at least two residents, and help another resident with toileting, showering and dressing.

It was these activities and others that led DHS to deem that the facility is required to be licensed. Colonial Villa and its parent company, Tendercare Inc., will work with the state to get the necessary licensing. Neither the facility nor Tendercare officials have commented on the investigtion.

Mike Krecek, the Midland County Department of Public Health director/health officer, has been forwarded a copy of the report, although the department most likely will play no direct role in the state licensing issue.

But he is concerned, and in particular, wants to follow up on the state's food service inspection in light of recent gastrointestinal illness that could have been a norovirus.

"That could be a concern," he said. "It's something we want to look into further."